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The week-long 2018 Gateway Orientation programme on the Qwaqwa Campus recently culminated in a resounding welcome to first-year students from the Rectorate. On this day, students were encouraged to embrace their humanity as well as the high expectations from their respective families and communities.

“As the university, we have a responsibility to create hope and enable you to embrace your humanity and be the best version of yourself. Be good to each other and to those you interact with. Everything we do must be humanising,” said Dean of Students Affairs, Pura Mgolombane.

Dr Gift Vinger, Registrar: Governance and Policy, advised students to take advantage of the changing political landscape. “This is your time to grab all the good opportunities that come your way. We will provide you with the necessary skills, but it remains your responsibility to make the right decisions. We challenge you to be part of the decision-making processes through the appropriate structures of governance. Students should not just be seen, but must be heard too,” he said.

Dr Vinger also acknowledged the role played by the Student Representative Council (SRC), the clergy, and the traditional leadership in attendance.

“The SRC consists of students who sacrifice a lot and make an effort to support the general student body. I am impressed with how the SRC balances its academic and leadership responsibilities.”

Speaking on behalf of the students, SRC President Masopha Hlalele said: “From today, stop being sceptical about yourself, you are here because you are academically one of the best. It’s your time to excel. Participate; don’t just study for the sake of getting your marks and qualifying for exam. Study to know more and research all information that will make a better person of you as an individual. Study to build your village, municipality, province, South Africa, and make the world a better place.”